Spitfire GB 2022 completed aircraft. Tim’s Airfix 1/48 Spitfire Mk XII

[Tim Marlow]

Hi all
Here are completed shots for your interest….








Clever rear canopy on this kit. That’s one piece of plastic. Cures the perennial issue of the sliding hood being too high with Spits when the canopy is open.

Lastly, a comparison shot with a Mk I

That’s where a couple of years development can take you.

Great GB! Really enjoyed it.

[adt70hk]

That's turned out very well indeed Tim.

As you said in the build thread odd how the gloss coat still shows through so much.

As for the canopy that's very clever indeed.

A great build of a great plane, even with the clipped wings.

ATB.

Andrew

[Tim Marlow]

That's turned out very well indeed Tim.

As you said in the build thread odd how the gloss coat still shows through so much.

As for the canopy that's very clever indeed.

A great build of a great plane, even with the clipped wings.

ATB.

Andrew

Cheers Andrew. Very weird about the varnish. The gloss went on really well and had over a week to dry while I did the decals. New one on me. I’ve seen white fogging from matt varnish, but never had it refuse to at least dull down the surface if not go totally matt. I wasn’t sure if the canopy would work when I saw it, but I’m really impressed.

[Jim R]

I'd call that a great success. You must be pleased. That canopy is clever. The decals have gone on well. I rather like the finish that varnish has given.
Jim

[adt70hk]

Cheers Andrew. Very weird about the varnish. The gloss went on really well and had over a week to dry while I did the decals. New one on me. I’ve seen white fogging from matt varnish, but never had it refuse to at least dull down the surface if not go totally matt. I wasn’t sure if the canopy would work when I saw it, but I’m really impressed.

That canopy is doing my head in!!

It's almost like an optical illusion...I can't work out how it works.....and it works very well indeed.

Could you take a shot or two from different angles to show how it works when you have a minute?

[Tim Marlow]

I'd call that a great success. You must be pleased. That canopy is clever. The decals have gone on well. I rather like the finish that varnish has given.
Jim

Cheers Jim. Over all I’m pleased with the result, especially as that was my first wingy for a few years. I quite like the finish now I’ve got used to it. The Mk I I’ve compared it with is dead matt and I think that kills the surface. Works on tanks and figures, but not in aircraft. Must admit to getting quite annoyed with the varnish at one point though :tongue-out3:

[Tim Marlow]

That canopy is doing my head in!!

It's almost like an optical illusion...I can't work out how it works.....and it works very well indeed.

Could you take a shot or two from different angles to show how it works when you have a minute?

It’s just solid plastic Andrew. The effect is generated by painting the framing on the supposed underneath piece from the inside, then masking and painting the outside frame as usual. If you look closely you can see the different shades of green that has generated.
Here is another one from a different viewpoint…

[Tim Marlow]

Closed canopy and open canopy parts side by side from the sprue shots at the start of the build….the right hand one is the open canopy.

[Flip]

Tim,
Brilliant, just brilliant!
That is gorgeous
John

[Mark1]

Excellent job Tim looks very good indeed.

[Tim Marlow]

Tim,
Brilliant, just brilliant!
That is gorgeous
John

Cheers John. Really glad you like it.

[Tim Marlow]

Excellent job Tim looks very good indeed.

Cheers Mark. Very kind of you.

[Mini Me]

You really did a "Bang up" job on this "bird" Tim.......I was looking to see if you had some of your "wee" Blokes serving as ground crew.....but to no avail. I too am a fan of your semi gloss finish. Having worked around aircraft all my life, I have yet to see one outside of a museum that had a "flat" finish. Well done to you Sir! :thumb2: :thumb2:

[Ian M]

That is a fantastic result Tim.
I would say the finish is very close to spot on. A clean Spitfire was a fast Spitfire.
Cleaver detail with that canopy.
Top job .

[Tim Marlow]

You really did a "Bang up" job on this "bird" Tim.......I was looking to see if you had some of your "wee" Blokes serving as ground crew.....but to no avail. I too am a fan of your semi gloss finish. Having worked around aircraft all my life, I have yet to see one outside of a museum that had a "flat" finish. Well done to you Sir! :thumb2: :thumb2:

Cheers Rick. Very kind of you. No ground crew I’m afraid……don’t have anything suitable :disappointed2:
in real life it’s nearer high gloss, hence wanting to dull it a little Rick. Semi gloss (satin) is my usual finish aim on aircraft…..